Dear members of the 91˿Ƶ community,
Earlier this spring, I had the pleasure of attending a symposium hosted by the 91˿Ƶ Institute for the Study of Canada, which explored artificial intelligence as the defining disruptor of our time.
The event brought together distinguished speakers, including Professor Yoshua Bengio (BEng’86, MSc’88, PhD’91), to confront the urgent question: "Who are we as humans when we build machines that are as smart as, or smarter than, we are?"
Widely regarded as “a godfather of AI,” Professor Bengio's response was simple yet profound: What matters is that we can ask the question in the first place — and that we can pursue the answer together.
In an era of accelerated automation, his words evoke something enduring about humanity: our capacity to wonder, to question, and to engage critically with one another. They remind us, as well, of our shared purpose as an academic community.
91˿Ƶ has long been a place where big questions inspire, where the pursuit of knowledge is rarely an isolated act but a deeply human, collective endeavor — one that unites people across perspectives, experiences, and geographies. This is our mission, and it matters more than ever.
Throughout this year, you have advanced this mission with curiosity and creativity, with integrity and care for each other. Through your sheer humanity, you have strengthened 91˿Ƶ and its impact in Montréal, across Canada, and around the world.
For all your contributions, whether as students, professors, or staff, I am deeply grateful.
As the summer approaches, I hope you will take some time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the company of the people around you. After all, it is in those moments — of conversation, of shared experience, and of unhurried time together — that some of the most interesting questions tend to find us, and we are reminded anew of why we pursue this work together.
With warmest regards,
Deep Saini
President and Vice-Chancellor
91˿Ƶ